"Looks like I won't be going to Xiamen after all."
Zhang Yang made his choice almost immediately.
If he set off now, he could definitely make it to the opportunity at the Tong'an Film and Television City in Xiamen. But after flying back, he wouldn't make it in time for the opportunity connected to the show.
He was already in Shanghai. There was no need to go out of his way.
Besides, he suspected the opportunity at the film studio was related to one of the main creative staff of Palace Lock Pearl Curtain, and that it had to be someone who would become well-known and influential in the future, like Da Mimi or Yu Zhen.
After all, this was an opportunity recognized by his cheat. If it only involved winning over some minor actor, that would be beneath its standards.
That morning, he had won Liu Shishi's favor, which had indirectly helped him land the male lead's second-in-command role in Xuan Yuan Sword: Scar of Heaven.
Without her help, he might have had to spend Old Hu's goodwill—and even then, he might not have succeeded.
"Shanghai Theatre Academy is one of China's three top acting schools. Countless leading talents in every corner of the entertainment industry have come out of here. Just thinking about the opportunities I could find in this environment is exciting."
At that thought, Zhang Yang glanced at the time, a peculiar look flashing in his eyes.
Nearly two hours later, in a small private room at XX Local Cuisine Restaurant,
Zhang Yang sat by the window with an impassive expression, watching his three "brothers" take their seats.
"My treat tonight. Fuzi, sit next to me. I'm going to toast you a few times later," Zhang Yang said.
Zhang Mouhan had been about to ask if something good had happened to Zhang Yang, since he'd suddenly invited them out for dinner.
But as soon as he heard what Zhang Yang said, he fell silent, guessing that Zhang Yang was trying to curry favor with Jiang Jinfu too.
He said "too" because he'd paid for last night's late-night meal, and Zhang Bohan had also taken Jiang Jinfu and him to an expensive restaurant for lunch that day—conveniently forgetting to invite Zhang Yang.
He hadn't expected Zhang Yang to pull the same stunt that night. It made them feel a lot better, and even a little gleeful.
"Brother Yang asks, and I'll gladly risk my life to keep you company," Jiang Jinfu said. He also thought Zhang Yang was backing down, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. "But, bro, there's something I should tell you first."
"What is it?" Zhang Yang poured himself some tea, then set the teapot down in front of Zhang Mouhan.
"I don't have much influence, so I couldn't convince Sister K. The male lead's third-in-command role has already gone to our senior, Lin Gengxin." Jiang Jinfu sighed as he spoke.
"That's fine," Zhang Yang replied immediately.
"But don't worry, Brother Yang," Jiang Jinfu said earnestly. "I'm confident I can get you the male lead's fourth-in-command role."
This time, Jiang Jinfu meant it.
Xuan Yuan Sword: Scar of Heaven was a lot like Chinese Paladin 3. It had a clear male and female lead, but the second and third male and female leads each had their own storylines too.
Tangren's aim was to make Xuan Yuan Sword the next Chinese Paladin 3. All three leading pairs could benefit greatly from the show.
The fourth male role, like Maomao and Yunting in Chinese Paladin 3, was just a supporting role, with little chance to stand out.
Jiang Jinfu didn't really want to help Zhang Yang. He just wanted Zhang Yang to watch him in the same cast and envy him.
It was just like the past two years at Shanghai Theatre Academy, when they'd all watched Zhang Yang show off.
"No need to go to all that trouble." Zhang Yang smiled amiably. "I don't need the male lead's fourth-in-command role, and you don't need to do anything for me."
"Brother Yang, this is a great opportunity. Don't let your pride get in the way," Zhang Mouhan said. "If it were me, I'd even take the fifth or sixth male role. It's a fantasy series made by Tangren!"
"It's not about pride." Zhang Yang shook his head with a smile. "I just have a better option."
"You've already landed a role?" Jiang Jinfu's smile began to fade.
Zhang Yang grinned broadly. "Fuzi, I should thank you. I went to the company today and told Sister K I wanted to act. Sister Shishi put in a good word for me, and Old Hu gave the role of the second male lead to his own brother. We've already signed the contract."
"Now we're both Earth Emperors, brothers in arms. We really will be fighting tigers side by side."
"I have you to thank for that, too. If you hadn't told me last night, I wouldn't have gone to the company today. Old Hu might have wanted to give me the role, but it would've been too late."
"So I've got to buy you a drink."
"Congratulations, Brother Yang." Jiang Jinfu's smile was strained.
If he could, he'd go back to the day before and give his past self a good beating.
If only he'd waited one more day before showing off, Zhang Yang would never have gotten the chance to play the second male lead.
He regretted it. Damn it, he regretted it so much.
By comparison, Zhang Mouhan and Zhang Bohan quickly changed their tune.
Sure, Zhang Yang's role was the second male lead, not as important as Jiang Jinfu's male lead. But hadn't Liu Shishi put in a good word for him, and Hu Ge willingly given up the role?
That showed that while Zhang Yang's role in this series wasn't as good as Jiang Jinfu's, his connections were rock solid—and far beyond Jiang Jinfu's reach.
Besides, plenty of teachers and administrators at school liked Zhang Yang. That was another valuable connection.
Unless Jiang Jinfu became famous, he couldn't compare to Zhang Yang.
"Brother Yang, congratulations!"
"Brother Yang, you're a real big shot. Don't forget us when you strike it rich!"
Zhang Bohan and Zhang Mouhan immediately went back to treating Zhang Yang the way they usually did, only now they were even more obsequious.
Zhang Yang pretended to be too socially clueless to understand, accepting their flattery at face value.
Zhang Yang enjoyed the meal immensely. Zhang Bohan even insisted on paying, saying that Zhang Yang had missed the lunch he'd treated them to, so this meal would make up for it.
Only Jiang Jinfu spent the whole meal forcing a smile, unable to taste a thing.
In the end, all his feelings turned into the urge to compete.
Once filming for Xuan Yuan Sword began, he'd give the male lead his all and make Zhang Yang look like a mere background character!
After leaving the restaurant, Zhang Yang said he needed to study the script and didn't return to the dorm with the other three. Instead, he went back to the apartment the company had arranged for him.
With a beautiful neighbor like Gulnazar, what would he have to be thinking to go back to the dorm and scheme against three rough guys?
He didn't see Nazha that night, though, or come up with an excuse to visit her across the hall. She might be an easily fooled, love-struck woman, but he didn't want to make his intentions too obvious.
The night passed without incident.
Zhang Yang got up early the next day. After his morning workout, he showered and ate breakfast, then went to school to sort out his leave application for filming.
Given his usual grades and conduct, how well he knew his instructors, and the fact that Cai Yinong had asked an acquaintance to put in a word, his application was approved in less than half a day.
After lunch, Zhang Yang glanced at the Entertainment Industry Opportunity Manual.
[Time: 11-03-11 12:13 Location: Hall of Nurturing the Heart, Tong'an Film and Television City, Xiamen Guide: (Locked/1 Character Point)] [Time: 11-03-11 15:33 Location: Outside Room X, Building X, Shanghai Theatre Academy Guide: (Locked/1 Character Point)] [Time: 11-03-11 21:53 Location: Outside Peninsula XX TV Station Guide: (Locked/1 Character Point)] [Time: 11-03-12 10:09 Location: Hong Kong. Guide: (Locked/1 Character Point)]
With a thought, Zhang Yang unlocked the second opportunity on the list.
"Bring a book?"
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